Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulging or weak area in the wall of a blood vessel or artery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Aneurysms occur most often in the portion of the aorta that runs through the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is also called an AAA or triple A. If this type of aneurysm bursts, it can cause life-threatening bleeding and even death.

Learn more about the causes, risks, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Blood clots or thrombosis

Blood clots  occur when clots of blood block your blood vessels. This is also called thrombosis. There are two main types of thrombosis: venous thrombosis, when a blood clot blocks a vein carrying blood from your body back to your heart; and arterial thrombosis, when a blood clot blocks an artery carrying oxygen-rich blood back to your body.

Learn more about the causes, risks, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for thrombosis.

Carotid artery disease

Your carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that send blood and oxygen to your brain. When these vessels become narrowed, you have carotid artery disease. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits, calcium and other things inside an artery. If the narrowing of the carotid arteries is severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause you to have a stroke.

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for carotid artery disease.

Cerebral aneurysm

Your carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that send blood and oxygen to your brain. When these vessels become narrowed, you have carotid artery disease. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits, calcium and other things inside an artery. If the narrowing of the carotid arteries is severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause you to have a stroke.

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for carotid artery disease.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart. When the valves in your veins don’t work well, blood can also flow backward. This can cause blood to pool in your legs. This can be painful and disabling.

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for chronic venous insufficiency.

Claudication

Claudication is pain in your thigh, calf or buttocks that happens when you walk. It can make you walk with a limp. Claudication happens when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to your legs. It is often a symptom of peripheral vascular disease. Eventually, the pain may reach an intolerable level and you may become unable to walk.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot or thrombus in a deep vein. DVTs are most common in your legs, but they can occur in your arms or other parts of your body. Part of a clot, called an embolus, can break off and travel to your lungs. Because this can cut off blood flow to all or part of a lung, this condition must be treated immediately as an emergency.

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for DVT.

May-Thurner syndrome

May-Thurner syndrome is a rarely diagnosed condition in which patients develop iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) due to an anatomical variant in which the right common iliac artery overlies and compresses the left common iliac vein against the lumbar spine.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive disorder of your blood vessels. Narrowing, blockages or spasms in a blood vessel can cause PVD. Organs supplied by these vessels, such as your brain or legs, may not receive enough blood flow to function properly. Your legs and feet are most often affected. PVD is also called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for PVD.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism, or PE, is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in your body (often in your leg). It then travels to your lung artery where it can suddenly block blood flow, causing damage to your lung tissue and even other organs in your body. A PE can quickly cause serious life-threatening problems and even death, so seek treatment immediately if you think you have one.

Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes decreased blood flow to your fingers — and in some cases to the ears, nose, nipples, knees or toes. This happened due to spams of blood vessels in those areas.

Renal vascular disease

Renal vascular disease affects the blood flow to and from the kidneys. Symptoms vary depending on your type of disease and its severity. Over time, it may cause kidney damage, kidney failure and high blood pressure, so a physician's care and treatment plan is vital.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the part of the aorta that runs through your chest. Over time, the blood vessel weakens and is at risk for bursting or separating. This can cause life-threatening bleeding and potentially death.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are most commonly noticed in your legs. While not considered a serious health problem, they can be uncomfortable and eventually lead to more serious problems, including swelling, ulcers and nonhealing sores.

Learn more about the causes, risks, diagnoses and treatments for varicose veins.